Road casualty figures have returned to pre-pandemic levels.

The Department for Transport has acknowledged that the pandemic lockdowns skewed the figures. In the second half of 2021, the rates were back to pre-pandemic rates.

Business as usual

Official figures for 2021 show there were 1,558 road deaths. This is a 7% year-on-year rise from the 1,460 reported in 2020. However, the overall 2021 figure remains 11% below those of 2019.

Casualty statistics have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, with lockdown periods leading to a huge reduction in traffic on the roads. As the pandemic eased, so traffic levels have almost returned to normal levels.

As the first half of 2021 also had a lockdown, the DfT says the overall figures for 2021 remain lower than pre-pandemic levels.

However, it concedes that over the second half of the year, both casualties and traffic returned to levels similar to those in 2019.

In the first quarter of 2021 with the lockdown in effect, there were 21,851 reported casualties. This is 39% fewer than the same period in 2019 (35,551), but by the third quarter of 2021, there were a total of 36,159 casualties. This is just 9% lower than 2019 (39,704).

Plateaued figures

Official DfT stats also show an increase in the fatality rate compared to pre-pandemic levels.

In 2021 there were an estimated 5.2 fatalities per billion vehicle miles, compared to the 5.1 reported in 2019. Though it is noted that the rate was lower than in 2020 when it stood at 5.4.

The RAC has expressed concern over the lack of progress being made – and is calling on the Government to take action.

Simon Williams, RAC road safety spokesperson, said: “While the overall number of road deaths is down on pre-pandemic levels, the fatality rate per billion miles driven has increased suggesting little progress is being made in making our roads safer.

“We urge the Government to publish its updated road safety plan which focuses on both improving car safety – including mandating technology such as intelligent speed assist in new cars – as well as measures to tackle poor driving standards and illegal behaviour behind the wheel.”